Council plan to remove Goodland Gardens footbridge in Taunton

The footbridge in Goodland Gardens was closed by Somerset West and Taunton Council on November 30, 2022 “until further notice” for repairs.

The council confirmed in early-February that an inspection of the bridge – which was previously repaired in 2019 – has revealed there are “significant” structural weaknesses within the joists, and it was “not viable to repair”.

Councillor Mike Rigby has now revealed that the bridge could shortly be removed from the riverside – and that it could cost at least £400,000 for a new one.

Mr Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and transport, confirmed the news in a report for the full council in Taunton on Tuesday evening (March 28).

He stated in his written report: “The pedestrian bridge over the River Tone at Goodlands Gardens was closed at the end of November following a routine inspection, which found significant structural weakness in the bridge joists.

The sign on the footbridge currently. (Image: Daniel Mumby)

“A further inspection took place and the full structural report confirms the bridge is at the end of its life and not viable to repair.

“Given that the bridge cannot be repaired we are planning to have it removed.”

In order for the bridge to be removed, the council – and its unitary successor – will need to obtain a series of consents from other statutory bodies, including the Environment Agency.

In the absence of this bridge, pedestrians and cyclists can cross the river at two nearby locations – using the River Tone Bridge to the west (using the A3807 Tangier Way) or the Taunton Town Bridge to the east (the A3027 The Bridge).

Pedestrian and cycling access is currently unimpeded along the south bank of the river through Goodland Gardens and the rainbow path.

Access on the north bank, however, must be along Tangier Way and Wood Street due to part of the pedestrian route directly beside the river currently being obstructed following demolition work on the former Poundstretcher site.

The store was bulldozed in the autumn of 2021 following the store’s closure in August 2020, with L & C Investments Ltd. applying for retrospective planning permission in November 2021 to turn the site into a car park, with the pedestrian route being enhanced.

However, the council refused permission for these plans in early-February – leaving this stretch of the public footpath in limbo.

Mr Rigby said: “We are seeking costs to replace the bridge in order that councillors can decide whether to replace it.

“At this stage, it should be anticipated that any replacement would cost at least £400,000.”

A decision on separate plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge downstream, linking the Coal Orchard regeneration site to the existing cycling network and the Morrisons supermarket, will be taken later in the year.